Gemini is the 3rd sign of the Zodiac from approximately (May 22 – June 21) and is called the sign of the twins. The symbol is of two brothers and is symbolic of the duality of this sign. One minute they are social, bright, and mentally alert to who and what is going on in their immediate environment, the next they are distracted and scattered and off to the next thing that interests them. This stage of life is the one where we start talking and asking questions. A Gemini wants to know what is this or that? Early on they are busy labeling everything, and they are endlessly inquisitive.
Ruled by the planet Mercury who in Greek mythology was the messenger of the Gods, their greatest need is to communicate all that they learn to anyone who will listen. This need for constant mental stimulation can give them a broad scope as they are interested in a wide variety of subjects. They can also be brilliant and multi-talented always retaining a little bit about a lot getting the nickname, “Jack-of-all-trades.”
This sign rules short trips and likes to be active and on the go so they can sometimes seem to be headed in two directions at once, but they are really just moving on when they get bored – boredom is anathema to this sign. Quick-witted, humorous, light, and breezy, they enjoy socializing and bantering with others. Being in their company is always interesting and fun. They can have a lot going on at once so pinning them down, getting them to make commitments to anything or anyone is challenging. This gives them a superficial, fickle, butterfly-like reputation.
This is one of the Puer Aeternus archetypes (the Peter Pan) meaning the eternal child who finds it difficult to grow up because that requires staying in one place for too long. This contributes to the duplicity inherent in both their psychology and their somewhat impersonal morality. Rationalization experts, they are very capable of deceiving others if they feel backed into a corner. The twins thrive when there is variety, the novel, more stimulating conversations, even enjoying a good debate as they have an insatiable curiosity that doesn’t quit.
So, what can be in the unconscious?
Sagittarius is the opposite sign. Ruled by the planet Jupiter, this sign is philosophical, not factual, perpetually seeking the meaning of life. They too are also well educated and can come off as a know-it-all with an exaggerated opinion about everything. Adventurous and goal-oriented, they are on a spiritual quest for the truth with a capital “T” and can become moralistic judgmental, Intolerant and a proselytizer. They think everyone should behave in the world according to their truth. At times they may seem dogmatic and rigid in their views because they are focused on what they believe in. You will see that they are sometimes overbearing, tactless and rude because their honesty springs from an archetypal predisposition that has been theirs since birth. You also might see that they overdo, overspend, are impractical and extravagant. Having an intuitive perspective, they can overpromise and overestimate what is possible gravitating towards future possibilities. They too have an inherently Puer consciousness and can be inconsistent and unreliable needing to keep their freedom and options open.
Psychic projection is one of the commonest facts of psychology. It is the same as that participation mystique which Lévy-Bruhl remarked as a peculiar trait of primitive man. We merely give it another name, and as a rule deny that we are guilty of it. Everything that is unconscious in ourselves we discover in our neighbor, and we treat him accordingly. We no longer subject him to the test of drinking poison; we do not burn him or put the screws on him; But we injure him by means of moral verdicts pronounced with the deepest conviction. What we combat in him is usually our own inferior side.
—Carl G. Jung
Modern Man in Search of a Soul, Pg 142
If we can accept ourselves with all of our faults and flaws, then we can accept others, and this is where doing shadow work with our partners is not only valuable, it is liberating.
I would not naively say you have to be around people you don’t like, or that boundaries are not important to maintain in a healthy relationship. When you are married or you get really close to anyone, get ready to see their dark side as well as their light. It’s inevitable that the closer you get, the more you will see, and they will see you too! We are also going to hurt each other at some time or other because we all feel and experience situations differently. Understanding how projection works can help us depotentiate issues we have with others and become more honest with ourselves. This way of being in the world frees up a lot of energy for both of us when we are each willing to do our part.
To be continued…
Rebeca Eigen
Rebeca Eigen, an astrologer for 25+ years and author of The Shadow Dance & the Astrological 7th House Workbook specializes in relationships. From every day decisions, to critical life-altering moments, Rebeca shares with you her practical wisdom and guidance for your life’s journey in becoming who you are meant to be.
https://www.shadowdance.com/
